From the Market, to the Secret Kitchen

Stepping into the vibrant heart of San Sebastian, one embarks on a culinary journey that unveils the rich tapestry of Basque culture. From the bustling local market, where the freshest produce and artisanal delicacies await, to the hidden kitchen where skilled chefs guide participants in crafting a traditional Basque feast, this immersive experience offers a rare glimpse into the region’s gastronomic heritage. As flavors mingle and stories unfold, the stage is set for a communal dining experience that promises to captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression on the palate.

Key Points

• Explore the vibrant local market with the chef, learning about Basque culinary traditions and selecting fresh, seasonal produce.
• Immerse in hands-on Basque cooking techniques under the guidance of the chef, preparing a classic multi-course menu.
• Discover the art of thoughtful ingredient selection and timed cooking methods to achieve optimal textures and flavors.
• Savor the prepared Basque feast in a family-style communal dining experience, accompanied by an expert-guided tasting of local wines.
• Gain deeper insights into Basque culture through the inclusion of traditional sport and discussions on local customs, language, and identity.

Breakfast in San Sebastian

Guests begin the day with a hearty breakfast, setting the stage for the culinary adventure ahead. The morning meal features local specialties that provide a taste of Basque cuisine.

Diners savor freshly baked bread, local cheeses, cured meats, and farm-fresh eggs cooked to perfection. The breakfast spread also includes seasonal fruits and an assortment of jams and preserves, all sourced from the nearby market.

This nourishing start prepares participants for the hands-on cooking class, where they’ll learn to prepare classic Basque dishes. With full stomachs and eager minds, the group is now ready to venture out and explore the vibrant San Sebastian food scene.

Exploring the Local Market

After the nourishing breakfast, participants eagerly follow the chef through the bustling San Sebastian market, ready to handpick the fresh, seasonal produce that will be the foundation of their cooking class.

The chef guides them through the vibrant stalls, introducing the local farmers and artisans who supply the day’s ingredients. Participants browse the colorful displays, selecting ripe tomatoes, crisp peppers, and fragrant herbs.

The chef shares insights into Basque culinary traditions, explaining how each ingredient will be utilized in the upcoming dishes.

With baskets brimming, the group heads back to the cozy kitchen, eager to begin their culinary adventure.

Cooking a Basque Feast

Stepping into the kitchen, the chef begins guiding participants through the process of crafting a classic Basque menu, drawing on the vibrant produce they gathered at the market. With practiced hands, the group prepares a series of mouthwatering dishes, starting with two traditional pintxos and fried green peppers with jamon de bellota. Next, they tackle the hearty main course of cabbage with red beans, chorizo, black pudding, and smoky bacon. To finish, the group creates a delicate curd dessert, sweetened with local honey and topped with toasted nuts. Throughout the cooking, participants learn Basque culinary techniques and savor sips of regional wines, seeing the rich flavors and traditions of the Basque Country.

Starters	Main Course	Dessert
2 classic pintxos	Cabbage with red beans, chorizo, black pudding, and bacon	Curd made with local sheep’s raw milk, honey, and nuts
Fried green peppers with jamon de bellota	–	–

Basque Culinary Techniques

From the Market, to the Secret Kitchen

Mastering Basque culinary techniques requires an understanding of the region’s rich gastronomic heritage and a reverence for the high-quality local ingredients. The chef’s guidance leads participants through a methodical process, imparting the nuances of preparing traditional Basque dishes that balance bold flavors and delicate textures.

The experience emphasizes:

• Mindful selection of the freshest produce from the local market

• Precise knife skills for intricate vegetable cuts and meat preparation

• Carefully timed cooking methods to achieve optimal texture and doneness

• Artful plating that showcases the natural beauty of the ingredients

With each step, the chef shares the stories behind the recipes, connecting the hands-on experience to the Basque people’s deep connection to the land and sea.

Family-Style Dining Experience

The family-style dining experience invites guests to savor the classic Basque menu together, sharing plates of expertly prepared starters, mains, and desserts.

Diners can enjoy the bounty at their own pace, taking time to appreciate each dish’s nuances and flavors. The meal starts with two pintxos, the beloved bite-sized Basque tapas, and fried green peppers with salty Ibérico ham.

The hearty main course features cabbage simmered with red beans, spicy chorizo, rich black pudding, and smoky bacon.

To end on a sweet note, guests indulge in a creamy sheep’s milk curd topped with fragrant honey and crunchy nuts.

This communal dining style encourages conversation and cultural exchange, immersing participants in the vibrant Basque culinary tradition.

Tasting Local Basque Wines

Alongside the hearty Basque cuisine, guests embark on a journey through the region’s diverse and acclaimed wine offerings, sampling an array of local vintages that showcase the terroir and winemaking traditions of San Sebastian.

The wine tasting experience complements the culinary exploration, allowing participants to deepen their understanding of the Basque country’s rich gastronomic heritage.

• The wine selection features both red and white varietals, including the renowned Txakoli, a lightly sparkling white wine with a crisp, refreshing profile.

• Guests learn about the unique grape varieties, such as Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Beltza, which thrive in the region’s maritime climate.

• Expert sommeliers guide the tasting, sharing insights into the winemaking process and the distinct characteristics of each vintage.

• The wine tasting is thoughtfully paired with the dishes prepared during the cooking class, creating a harmonious culinary experience.

Handball and Basque Culture

Along With the culinary exploration, guests are invited to partake in a lively game of handball, a beloved traditional sport deeply rooted in Basque culture.

Led by a passionate local guide, you will learn the fundamentals of this fast-paced game, which involves bouncing a small rubber ball off a wall using their bare hands.

As they engage in the spirited competition, guests will gain insights into the region’s rich heritage and the importance of sport in Basque community life.

Beyond the physical activity, the experience also includes discussions about Basque customs, language, and identity, providing a well-rounded immersion into the vibrant local culture.

Practical Information and Pricing

This full-day culinary experience can be booked Monday through Friday, running from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM between March 11, 2022 and December 31, 2024.

Guests meet at the Alameda del Blvd., 25W, 20003 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain location.

The experience is accessible, with wheelchair access, stroller-friendly options, and infant seats available.

Pricing starts at $733.32 per person, though the exact cost may vary based on group size.

Travelers can enjoy a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

• Wheelchair accessible

• Stroller-friendly

• Infant seats available

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?

Yes, the experience accommodates various dietary needs. Guests can request vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options when booking, and the chef will customize the menu accordingly. Dietary restrictions are easily managed throughout the day.

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Experience?

The minimum group size for this experience is 2 people. This full-day culinary tour allows small groups to explore San Sebastian’s markets, cook a classic Basque menu, and enjoy local sports and wine tasting together.

Is There a Dress Code for the Cooking and Sports Activities?

The experience has no formal dress code, but comfortable, casual clothing is recommended for the cooking and sports activities. Participants should wear clothes they can move freely in and that can get a bit messy during the cooking portion.

Can Participants Take Home the Recipes They Learn?

Yes, participants can take home the recipes they learn during the culinary experience. The chef provides detailed recipe cards so guests can recreate the classic Basque dishes in their own kitchens after the class.

Are There Any Additional Costs Beyond the Listed Price?

The price listed includes all activities and meals. There are no additional costs, as the experience covers the full-day itinerary from breakfast to wine tasting. Participants do not need to pay extra for any part of the tour.

Recap

Immersed in the vibrant energy of San Sebastian’s local market, participants embark on a culinary journey that delves into the heart of Basque culture.

Through hands-on cooking under the guidance of expert chefs, they learn traditional techniques and prepare a feast that celebrates the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.

The experience culminates in a communal dining event, where shared flavors and stories foster a deep connection to the local way of life.